THE END OF THE MUSEUM

December 18, 1997
Berkeley, California

Location: UC Berkeley Arts and Anthropology complex and the university museum

The performance took place within the facilities of the Arts Department and the grounds of the Anthropology Museum, as well as both inside and outside the UC Berkeley Art Museum. This performance emerged as a shift from the experience of a previously executed action: *A Wedding in Sproul Plaza*. It also derived from the virtual performance *The Non-Institution of Art, and of Art as an Institution*.

The event began in one of the corridors of the UC Berkeley Arts and Anthropology complex. The following moments can be distinguished:

1) The performer embodying Death is covered by a white cloak and wears a mask, while the lead performer has his body painted white and red and holds a black object bound with ropes. The performance space is shared with percussionist Jerry Podduturi, who establishes a steady, improvised rhythm.

2) The "Death" performer stands motionless at the end of a corridor; meanwhile, the lead performer gestures and performs a sort of dance until the two performers confront each other, and one of them (Death) leaves the area, gesturing and running toward the interior of the university museum.

3) The lead performer begins a "cleansing" of the space—dragging or carrying the fabric-object, stopping traffic, etc.

4) The performer crosses toward the university museum and attempts to enter but finds the door closed against him. However, the "Death" performer had managed to enter earlier and shouted the pre-planned anti-museum slogan:

“I am the institution of art
No spontaneous art can be allowed
Only planned and structured art
This is the end of art”

Performers: Damián Toro, David Toro
Music: Jerry Podduturi
Filming: Beatriz Flores
Photography: Catrina Marchetti

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